Device for disinfecting equipment and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to a device for disinfecting equipment, such as CPAP components, and a method of using the same. A device for disinfecting equipment according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a chamber, an ultraviolet (UV) light configured to emit UV light within the chamber, an ozone generator configured to generate ozone within the chamber. The device further includes a control unit configured to activate the UV light and the ozone generator during different periods of time.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.16/833,799, filed Mar. 30, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/956,793, filed Apr. 19, 2018, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/500,648, filed May 3,2017. The '799, '793, and '648 Applications are herein incorporated byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a device for disinfecting equipment, such asCPAP components, and a method of using the same.

BACKGROUND

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) represents a treatment forpatients with breathing problems. Such problems typically manifestthemselves at night while the patient is asleep. One such problem issleep apnea.

The CPAP treatment uses mild air pressure to keep airways open,particularly when a patient is sleeping. CPAP systems have severalcomponents. The first is a flow generator, which is essentially a pumpthat creates a stream of air. Many flow generators include a humidifier,which is typically attached to the flow generator or integrally formedwith the same. Humidifiers are configured to heat and moisten the airflow from the flow generator, which reduces the likelihood that apatient will experience discomfort from breathing dry air for aprolonged period. CPAP systems also include a conduit (i.e., a tube orhose) fluidly coupling a mask apparatus to the flow generator. The maskis affixed to the mouth and/or nose of a patient. CPAP systems alsoinclude various couplings, fittings, seals, valves, etc., that establishthe fluid connection between the flow generator and the patient.

During use over the course of days, weeks, and months, it is recommendedthat the components of a CPAP system be cleaned and disinfected toprevent buildup of bacteria, for example. Disinfection is recommended toreduce health risks. CPAP systems and their associated components aretypically cleaned manually by a patient using soap and water.

SUMMARY

A device for disinfecting equipment according to an exemplary aspect ofthe present disclosure includes, among other things, a chamber, anultraviolet (UV) light configured to emit UV light within the chamber,an ozone generator configured to generate ozone within the chamber. Thedevice further includes a control unit configured to activate the UVlight and the ozone generator during different periods of time.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing device, thecontrol unit is configured to activate the UV light for a first periodof time.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices,the ozone generator is not activated during the first period of time.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices,the control unit is configured to activate the ozone generator followingthe first period of time for a second period of time.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices,the UV light is not activated during the second period of time.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices,the device includes a blower, and the control unit is configured toactivate the blower during the second period of time.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices,the device includes a heater, and, after the second period of time, thecontrol unit is configured to activate the heater and the blower for athird period of time.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices,the control unit is configured to activate the UV light following thethird period of time for a fourth period of time.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices,during the fourth period of time, the heater is deactivated and theblower directs fluid through an activated charcoal filter.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices,the ozone generator is not activated during the fourth period of time.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices,the first period of time is four minutes, the second period of time isfive minutes, and the fourth period of time is one minute.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices,the UV light emits UV-C light.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices,the UV light emits UV light at a wavelength of 254 nanometers (nm).

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices,the UV light includes a 13 Watt UV-C bulb.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices,the device includes a base and a closure moveable relative to the basebetween an open position and a closed position. The base and closureprovide boundaries of the chamber when the closure is in the closedposition.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices,the device includes a temperature sensor and an ozone sensor. Further,the control unit is configured to interpret signals of the temperaturesensor and the ozone sensor to determine a temperature of the chamberand a level of ozone within the chamber, respectively. Further, theclosure is lockable relative to the base and is only unlocked when oneor both of the temperature of the chamber and the level of ozone withinthe chamber are below predetermined thresholds.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices,equipment is within the chamber, and wherein the equipment includes atleast one of CPAP components, medical devices, surgical instruments, andmasks.

A method for disinfecting equipment according to an exemplary aspect ofthis disclosure includes, among other things, emitting ultraviolet (UV)light within a chamber containing a piece of equipment for a first timeperiod, and generating ozone within the chamber during a second timeperiod and not during the first time period. Further, UV light is notemitted during the second time period.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing method, the methodincludes heating the chamber during a third time period. Further, UVlight is not emitted during the third time period and ozone is notgenerated during the third time period.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods,the method includes emitting UV light within the chamber following thethird time period for a fourth time period.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example device for disinfecting CPAP componentsfrom a perspective view. Certain aspects of the device are illustratedschematically. In FIG. 1, a lid of the device is in an open position.

FIG. 2 illustrates the device of FIG. 1 with the lid in a closedposition.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example device for disinfecting CPAPcomponents from a perspective view. In FIG. 3, the drawer of the deviceis in a closed position.

FIG. 4 illustrates the device of FIG. 3 with the drawer in the openposition.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example device for disinfecting CPAPcomponents and/or other equipment from a perspective view with a drawerof the device in a closed position.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example device for disinfecting CPAPcomponents and/or other equipment from a perspective view with a door ofthe device in a closed position.

FIG. 7 illustrates the device of FIG. 6 from a perspective view with thedoor in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates to a device for disinfecting equipment, such asmedical devices, surgical equipment, and/or CPAP components (or, CPAPequipment), including the various parts of a CPAP system, such as hoses,masks, pillows, couplings, humidifiers, etc., that require frequentcleaning and disinfecting. An example device includes a chamber, anultraviolet (UV) light configured to emit UV light within the chamber,an ozone generator configured to generate ozone within the chamber, anda control unit configured to activate the UV light and the ozone duringdifferent periods of time.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example device 20 for disinfecting CPAPcomponents 22 from a perspective view. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and2, the device 20 includes a number of customizable operating parameters,which may be set by the user, as will be discussed below. The device 20may be particularly useful in laboratory settings, where users aretrained to set these parameters. This disclosure also relates to adevice, such as that described relative to FIGS. 3 and 4, which does notallow a user to set any operating parameters. The latter device may bemore user friendly from the perspective of some users, and may be moreapplicable for residential applications.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the device 20 includes acontrol unit 24, heater 26, blower (e.g., fan) 28, and an ultraviolet(UV) light 30. It should be understood that the CPAP components 22,control unit 24, heater 26, blower 28, and UV light 30 are illustratedschematically.

The control unit (sometimes called a “controller”) 24 may be programmedwith executable instructions for interfacing with and operating thevarious components of the device 20, including but not limited to thoseshown in the figures and discussed herein. It should also be understoodthat the control unit 24 may additionally include a combination ofhardware and software, and specifically may include a processing unitand non-transitory memory for executing the various control strategiesand modes of the device 20.

The UV light 30 is selectively activated in response to instructionsfrom the control unit 24. The UV light 30 in this example is provided bya light source, specifically a UV bulb (sometimes called a “UV lamp”),which is configured to emit UV light. The UV light 30 may be provided bya 13 Watt UV-C bulb, in one example. In other examples, the UV light 30is provided by a bulb within a range of 5 to 20 Watts.

In a particular example, the UV light 30 is configured to emit UV-Clight, which is a subtype of UV light especially suited fordisinfection. Specifically, UV-C is relatively short-wavelength UVlight, which is known to kill or inactivate microorganisms such asbacteria. In one example, the UV light 30 emits UV light at a wavelengthwithin a range of 250 to 270 nanometers (nm), and in one particularexample the UV light has a wavelength of 254 nm.

The device 20 includes a lid 32 pivotably mounted to a base 34 andconfigured to pivot between an open position (FIG. 1) and a closedposition (FIG. 2). In the open position, one or more CPAP components 22can be provided into a chamber 36 within the device. The chamber 36 ispartially defined by the lid 32 and partially defined by the base 34.When the lid 32 is closed, the lid 32 and base 34 define an enclosedchamber 36. The control unit 24 is configured to determine when the lid32 is closed, such as in response to a signal from a sensor, such as amagnetic switch. The lid 32 and base 34 are sized such that the chamber36 can hold a number of pieces of CPAP components.

The lid 32 is held in place in the closed position by way of a handle38, which includes a latch, and one or more clasps 40. In this example,there is only one clasp 40 on a side of the base 34, but it should beunderstood that the device 20 could include additional clasps 40.Further, the lid 32 and 34 are sized and arranged such that, when thelid 32 is in the closed position, a seal is established. During use ofthe device 20, there may be relatively hot air flowing within thechamber 36. The handle 38 (which includes a latch) and clasp 40 ensuresthat the lid 32 stays closed and sealed during operation.

In one example, when the lid 32 is in the closed position, the chamber36 can hold at least a humidifier, hose, and mask. This disclosure isnot limited to these CPAP components 22, and can be used to disinfectother pieces of CPAP components 22, including but not limited to hoses,masks, pillows, humidifiers, couplings, fittings, seals, valves, etc. Tothis end, this disclosure is not even limited to use with CPAPcomponents. For instance, the device 20 can be used to disinfect othermedical, dental, and hygiene-related products, such as toothbrushes,hearing aids, dentures, pacifiers, masks (such as N95 respirators,surgical masks, face masks), etc.

Operation of the device 20 is regulated by the control unit 24, which iselectrically coupled in this example to a first dial 42, a second dial44, the heater 26, the blower 28, and the UV light 30.

The first dial 42 is a rotatable knob and is configured to control atemperature setting in one example. The control unit 24 is configured tointerpret the input from the first dial 42, and regulate operation ofthe heater 26 (which could be any known type of heater, such as a coilheater) and blower 28 accordingly. The second dial 44 is an adjustableslider and is configured to control a time setting in one example. Thecontrol unit 24 is configured to interpret the input from the seconddial 44 and operate the heater 26, blower 28, and UV light 30 for theset time. It should be understood that the first and second dials 42, 44could be different types of input devices, and are not limited to knobsand sliders.

In one example process, a user places CPAP components 22 within thechamber 36 and closes the lid 32. In the example of FIG. 1, the usersets the first dial 42 and second dial 44, and presses an “on” button.Alternatively, there is no “on” button and the process beginsautomatically when the lid 32 is closed.

The control unit 24 is configured to instruct the heater 26 to heat airwithin the chamber 36, and the control unit 24 is further configured toactivate the blower 28 and UV light 30. The blower 28 distributes heatedair through the chamber 36 and evenly heats the CPAP components 22 usingconvection. During this process, the UV light 30 emits ultraviolet lightto kill or inactivate the microorganisms and bacteria within the chamber36.

In one example, the heater 26 is responsive to instructions from thecontrol unit 24 such that the chamber 36 reaches a temperature of about190° F. (about 88° C.) for about 3 minutes. In another example, theperiod of time is about 5 minutes. In other examples, the temperature isabove about 140° F., which is a temperature above which most bacteriaare killed. Such a combination of heat, time, and exposure to UV lightdisinfects the CPAP components 22 without damaging the same. In oneexample, about 99% of all microorganisms and bacteria are killed orinactivated through use of the device 20. In other examples, however,the device 20 does not include the heater 26 or the blower 28, andinstead the control unit 24 activates the UV light 30 for the period oftime. Without the heater 26 or the blower 28, the period of time may belonger than 3 minutes, such as about 5 minutes.

While first and second dials 42, 44 are shown, in another example, thecontrol unit 24 is pre-programmed to operate disinfection cycle. In oneparticular example, the control unit 24 is pre-programmed to operate theheater 26, blower 28, and UV light 30 for a predefined period of timeand at predefined levels. In this alternate example, a patient wouldsimply close the lid 32 and depress an “on” button, if present, at whichpoint the control unit 24 to begin the pre-defined disinfecting cycle.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an example device 120 configured to disinfectCPAP components 122 (FIG. 4). To the extent not otherwise described orshown, the device 120 in FIGS. 3 and 4 corresponds to the device 20 ofFIGS. 1 and 2, with like parts having reference numerals preappendedwith a “1.”

Whereas the device 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be particularly useful in alaboratory setting, the device 120 may be particularly useful inresidential applications. In particular, the device 120 includes acontrol unit 124 that is pre-programmed to run a disinfection cycle whena user depresses an “on” button, and when the chamber 136 is closed. Thecontrol unit 124 is pre-programmed to run for a set time, which is apredefined period of time. In one example, the predefined period of timeis about 5 minutes. The device 120 does not require the user to set anyoperating parameters of the disinfection cycle, and instead merelyrequires the user to insert their CPAP components 122 (FIG. 4) into thechamber 136, close the chamber 136, and press the “on” button.

The device 120 includes a base 134 and a drawer 150 slidably mounted tothe base 134 and moveable relative to the base 134 between an openposition (FIG. 4) and a closed position (FIG. 3). The base 134 anddrawer 150 provide boundaries of the chamber 136 when the drawer 150 isin the closed position. The control unit 124 is configured to determinewhen the drawer 150 is closed, such by interpreting a signal from asensor. One example sensor is a magnetic switch 152. The magnetic switch152 may also serve to hold the drawer 150 in the closed position.

In one example, in order to increase the safety of the device 120, thecontrol unit 124 only activates the UV light 130 when the drawer 150 isclosed. If a user opens the drawer 150 mid-cycle, for example, thecontrol unit 124 is configured to turn off the UV light 130.

Unlike the device 20, the device 120 does not include a heater or ablower. Rather, disinfection is performed solely by the UV light 130. Inorder to increase the reach of the UV light 130, the interior of thedrawer 150 may be lined with a reflective material, such as polishedaluminum. In this way, the UV light emitted by the UV light 130 isreflected within the chamber 136, which increases the surface area ofthe components 122 exposed to UV light.

As mentioned, the device 120 is configured to run a predefineddisinfection cycle. To this end, the device 120 includes a button 154,which is an “on”/“off” button, a first status light 156, and a secondstatus light 158. The first and second status lights 156, 158 may bereplaced by a single status light in some examples. The button 154 andthe status lights 156, 158 are electrically coupled to the control unit124.

In one example disinfection cycle, a user opens the drawer 150, as shownin FIG. 4. The user then inserts one or more CPAP components 122 intothe chamber 136. The user then shuts the drawer 150, as shown in FIG. 3,and depresses the button 154 to turn on the disinfection cycle. Thecontrol unit 124 is configured to determine that the drawer 150 isclosed by way of a signal from the magnetic switch 152. When the drawer150 is confirmed closed, the control unit 124 activates the UV light130, which then emits UV light, and in particular emits UV-C light, suchas that discussed above, for a predefined period of time. As above, thepredefined period of time is about five (5) minutes. This period of timeis set in a factory setting and stored on the control unit 124. In thisexample, the user is not allowed to change the predefined period oftime.

During the disinfection cycle, the control unit 124 is configured toilluminate the first status light 156. The first status light 156 may bea red light, which indicates that the cycle is ongoing and should not beinterrupted. After the predefined period of time, the control unit 124deactivates the UV light 130, deactivates the first status light 156,and activates the second status light 158, which may be a green lightindicating that the disinfection cycle is complete. Optionally, the base134 may include a tinted lens 160 to allow a user to see into thechamber 136 during the disinfection cycle, while filtering the UV light.

The devices 20, 120 provide a reliable, quick, and relatively easysolution for cleaning and disinfecting CPAP components. The ease of useof the devices 20, 120, coupled with the relatively fast process,relieves a burden on patients faced with cleaning CPAP components on aregular basis. The devices 20, 120 are also less expensive than otherhigher cost systems on the market, such as those including air purifiersand ozone (which can be a lung irritant), those including ethylene oxide(which is dangerous), and those including chemical bactericides.

While ozone may be a lung irritant, it can be an effective disinfectantwhen used in a controlled setting by trained professionals. While theabove-described embodiments do not use ozone, an aspect of thisdisclosure does use ozone as a disinfectant. This aspect of thedisclosure may be used in controlled settings, such as laboratoriesand/or hospitals, as examples.

The device 220 of FIG. 5 is another embodiment of this disclosure. Thedevice 220 corresponds to the devices 20, 120, with like parts havingreference numerals preappended with a “2.”

In particular, the device 220 includes a base 234 and a drawer 250configured to selectively open and close relative to the base 234 toprovide access to a chamber 236 (shown in phantom). In FIG. 5, thedrawer 250 is closed. The drawer 250 is configured to slide forward toopen, in one example. The device 220 is not limited to sliding drawers,however, and could include a lid or door or some other selectivelymoveable closure.

In this example, the chamber 236 is relatively large and can hold acorrespondingly large number of pieces of equipment. Such equipment mayinclude CPAP components, medical devices, surgical instruments, masks,etc. The chamber 236, in one example, has a volume of 7.5 cubic feet.

The device 220 includes a control unit 224 in electric communicationwith the various components of the device 220. The device 220 alsoincludes an interface 262, which may be a keypad or some other type ofhuman-machine interface, configured to permit a user to adjust variousoperational settings of the device. Such settings may include maximumoperating temperature, blower speed, maximum permitted ozone level,and/or cycle time.

Among other components, device 220 includes a heater 226, a blower 228,a UV light 230, a temperature sensor 264, an ozone generator 266, anozone sensor 268, and a vacuum pump 270. Each of these components isillustrated schematically in FIG. 5. The control unit 224 is configuredto receive signals from each of these components and is furtherconfigured to issue commands to control the operation of thesecomponents.

In an example disinfection cycle, a user places one or more pieces ofequipment into the chamber 236 by opening the drawer 250. The user thencloses the drawer 250 and adjusts various operational settings, ifdesired, using the interface 262.

The example disinfection cycle includes a first phase which lasts aperiod of time, such as 7 minutes. During this first phase, the UV light230, blower 228, and ozone generator 266 are on. In an example, the UVlight 230 emits UV-C light at a wavelength of 254 nanometers (nm).Simultaneous with the emission of UV light, the ozone generator 266generates ozone and the blower 228 circulates the ozone within thechamber 236. The level of ozone within the chamber 236 is maintained ata particular level based on feedback from the ozone sensor 268.

After completion of the first phase, the example disinfection cycleenters a second phase. During the second phase, the blower 228 continuesto run, but the UV light 230 and ozone generator 266 are turned off.Further, the heater 226 is turned on and, based on feedback from thetemperature sensor 264, the temperature of the chamber 236 is raised toa predetermined temperature, such as 190° F. (about 88° C.). In thisexample, the second phase lasts for a period of time, such as 7 minutes,beginning when the temperature of the chamber 236 reaches thepredetermined temperature.

Following the second phase, the example disinfection cycle enters athird phase in which the heater 226 is turned off and the blower 228continues to run to cool the equipment in the chamber 236. Near the endof the third phase, the vacuum pump 270 is turned on and evacuates thechamber 236 to the atmosphere. Evacuating the chamber 236 dramaticallyreduces, and in some examples completely rids, the chamber 236 of ozone.The level of ozone in the chamber 236 may be confirmed by the ozonesensor 268. In a particular aspect of this disclosure, the drawer 250 islocked during the disinfection cycle and only unlocks when either orboth of the temperature and ozone levels are below predetermined levels.For instance, in one example, the drawer 250 is not unlocked until thereis no detectable level of ozone in the chamber 236. The control unit 224is configured to instruct a locking mechanism to lock or unlock thedrawer 250.

The combination of ozone, heat, and UV light makes the device 220 aparticularly effective disinfecting tool. The device 220 incorporatescertain features, such as the ozone sensor and vacuum pump, configuredto properly manage ozone by using it as a disinfectant and withoutexposing it to the user. Further, the device 220 is particularly suitedfor use at a relatively large scale and in industrial or commercialsettings, cleaning relatively large pieces of equipment and/or largequantities of equipment in laboratories and/or hospitals, as examples.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another example device 320 configured todisinfect CPAP components and/or other equipment. The device 320corresponds to the devices 20, 120, 220 with like parts having referencenumerals preappended with a “3.”

In particular, the device 320 includes a base 334 and a closure, here adoor 350, configured to selectively close (FIG. 6) and open (FIG. 7)relative to the base 334 to provide access to a chamber 336 (FIG. 7). Inthis example, the chamber 336 can hold equipment such as CPAPcomponents, medical devices, surgical instruments, masks (including N95respirators, surgical masks, face masks), face shields, gowns, etc.

The device 320 includes a control unit 324 in electric communicationwith the various components of the device 320. The device 320 alsoincludes an interface 362, which may be a keypad or some other type ofhuman-machine interface, configured to permit a user to adjust variousoperational settings of the device. Such settings may include maximumoperating temperature, blower speed, maximum permitted ozone level,and/or cycle time.

Among other components, device 320 includes a heater 326, a blower 328,a UV light 330, a temperature sensor 364, an ozone generator 366, anozone sensor 368, and a vacuum pump 370. The device 320 further includesa first filter 372, which is an H14 HEPA filter in one example,configured to filter air entering the chamber 336. The device 320further includes a second filter 374, which is an activated charcoalfilter, configured to neutralize a scent associated with ozone, andpositioned adjacent an outlet of the chamber 336. Each of thesecomponents is illustrated schematically in FIG. 6. The control unit 324is configured to receive signals from each of these components and isfurther configured to issue commands to control the operation of thesecomponents.

In an example disinfection cycle using the device 320, a user places oneor more pieces of equipment into the chamber 336 after opening the door350. The user then closes the door 350 and adjusts various operationalsettings, if desired, using the interface 362.

In a particular aspect of this disclosure, a disinfection cycle usingthe device 320 includes the user pressing a “start” or similar button,at which point the door 350 locks. Then, the UV light 330 turns on for afirst period of time, which is 4 minutes in one example. Following thefirst period of time, the ozone generator 366 then turns on and,simultaneously, the blower 328 turns on to circulate the ozone withinthe chamber 336 for a second period of time, which, in the example, is 5minutes. Following the second period of time, the ozone generator 366turns off and the UV light 330 remains off, but the blower 328 remainson while the heater 326 turns on and heats the chamber 336 to atemperature of 190° F., in one example, which is a low grade heat thatdisinfects the equipment in the chamber 336 and is also safe forplastics. Heating the chamber 336 also breaks down ozone in the chamber336. The chamber 336 is held at temperature (i.e., 190° F.) or a periodof time. The time during which the chamber 336 is heated and held attemperature is referred to as a third period of time. After the thirdperiod of time, the heater 326 turns off and the UV light 330 turns backon for a fourth period of time, which here is 1 minute. During thefourth period of time, the blower 328 continues to run and directs fluidin the chamber 336 through the second filter 374. The UV light 330breaks down any remaining ozone during this period. The UV light 330also disinfects any incoming air entering the chamber 336 as the chamber336 cools to avoid contamination at the end of the cycle. The secondfilter 374 also serves to neutralize the odor associated with ozone.Finally, the door 350 is unlocked only when the temperature and/or theozone levels in the chamber 336, as determined by the relevantsensor(s), are below predefined thresholds.

In this example disinfection cycle, the UV light 330 and ozone generator366 are not activated (i.e., turned on) at the same time. Rather, the UVlight 330 and ozone generator 366 are activated during different timeperiods. In particular, the UV light 330 and ozone generator 366 areactivated separately, with at most one of the two components beingactivated at any given time, and without any overlap in the periods oftime when each component is activated. As such, the UV light 330 doesnot counter the effects of the ozone generator 366 at times when theozone generator 366 is generating ozone.

It should be understood that terms such as “generally,” “substantially,”and “about” are not intended to be boundaryless terms, and should beinterpreted consistent with the way one skilled in the art wouldinterpret those terms.

Although the different examples have the specific components shown inthe illustrations, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited tothose particular combinations. It is possible to use some of thecomponents or features from one of the examples in combination withfeatures or components from another one of the examples.

One of ordinary skill in this art would understand that theabove-described embodiments are exemplary and non-limiting. That is,modifications of this disclosure would come within the scope of theclaims. Accordingly, the following claims should be studied to determinetheir true scope and content.

1. A device for disinfecting equipment, comprising: a chamber; anultraviolet (UV) light configured to emit UV light within the chamber;an ozone generator configured to generate ozone within the chamber; anda control unit configured to activate the UV light and the ozonegenerator during different periods of time.
 2. The device as recited inclaim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to activate the UV lightfor a first period of time.
 3. The device as recited in claim 2, whereinthe ozone generator is not activated during the first period of time. 4.The device as recited in claim 3, wherein the control unit is configuredto activate the ozone generator following the first period of time for asecond period of time.
 5. The device as recited in claim 4, wherein theUV light is not activated during the second period of time.
 6. Thedevice as recited in claim 5, further comprising: a blower; wherein thecontrol unit is configured to activate the blower during the secondperiod of time.
 7. The device as recited in claim 6, further comprising:a heater; wherein, after the second period of time, the control unit isconfigured to activate the heater and the blower for a third period oftime.
 8. The device as recited in claim 7, wherein the control unit isconfigured to activate the UV light following the third period of timefor a fourth period of time.
 9. The device as recited in claim 8,wherein, during the fourth period of time, the heater is deactivated andthe blower directs fluid through an activated charcoal filter.
 10. Thedevice as recited in claim 8, wherein the ozone generator is notactivated during the fourth period of time.
 11. The device as recited inclaim 8, wherein the first period of time is four minutes, the secondperiod of time is five minutes, and the fourth period of time is oneminute.
 12. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the UV light emitsUV-C light.
 13. The device as recited in claim 11, wherein the UV lightemits UV light at a wavelength of 254 nanometers (nm).
 14. The device asrecited in claim 12, wherein the UV light includes a 13 Watt UV-C bulb.15. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a base; and aclosure moveable relative to the base between an open position and aclosed position, wherein the base and closure provide boundaries of thechamber when the closure is in the closed position.
 16. The device asrecited in claim 15, further comprising: a temperature sensor; an ozonesensor; wherein the control unit is configured to interpret signals ofthe temperature sensor and the ozone sensor to determine a temperatureof the chamber and a level of ozone within the chamber, respectively,and wherein the closure is lockable relative to the base and is onlyunlocked when one or both of the temperature of the chamber and thelevel of ozone within the chamber are below predetermined thresholds.17. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein equipment is within thechamber, and wherein the equipment includes at least one of CPAPcomponents, medical devices, surgical instruments, and masks.
 18. Amethod for disinfecting equipment, comprising: emitting ultraviolet (UV)light within a chamber containing a piece of equipment for a first timeperiod; and generating ozone within the chamber during a second timeperiod and not during the first time period, and wherein UV light is notemitted during the second time period.
 19. The method as recited inclaim 18, further comprising heating the chamber during a third timeperiod, wherein UV light is not emitted during the third time period andozone is not generated during the third time period.
 20. The method asrecited in claim 19, further comprising emitting UV light within thechamber following the third time period for a fourth time period.